06_2025_REELLIFE_digital - Flipbook - Page 11
omak jason brooks
Omak Lake, nestled
within the picturesque
landscape of Washington
State, is a hidden gem
for anglers seeking the
thrill of catching Lahontan
cutthroat trout. This
expansive body of water is
renowned for its crystalclear waters and the
bountiful presence of this
unique trout species.
The Lahontan cutthroat
trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii
henshawi) is native to the
Lahontan Basin of Nevada,
Eastern California, and
Southern Oregon. These
trout are well-adapted
to the alkaline and saline
conditions of the region,
making Omak Lake an ideal
habitat. Lahontan cutthroat
trout are known for their
striking appearance,
characterized by vivid red
and orange hues along
their sides and beneath
their jaws. They can grow
to impressive sizes, with the
Washington State record
at 18.04 pounds and was
caught out of Omak Lake.
Omak Lake is located on
the Colville Confederated
Tribes Reservation, and
is 3,244 acres, nestled in
a high desert of rolling
sagebrush hills. The prime
fishing season at Omak
Lake runs from early spring
to late autumn. During
these months, the water
temperatures are optimal
for trout activity, and the
fish are more likely to be
found near the surface. The
early mornings and late
afternoons are particularly
productive times for fishing,
as the trout are more active
in these cooler hours
Due to its large size and
regulations by the tribe
that protects the shallow
shorelines in the northern
part of the lake during
the May spawning period,
this is primarily a boat
fishery. As the lake begins
to thaw in March and
warms up through May, the
regulations change from a
catch and keep to a catch
and release fishery, which
means using fly gear or
single barbless hooks on
lures and no bait. Just like
the other popular Lahontan
waters in Washington,
the fish start cruising the
shallows and shorelines
looking for creeks and
sources of cold water for
spawning.
Fly rod toting anglers
usually target these
areas with the same
standard flies for Lake
Lenore, another Lahontan
Cutthroat producing lake
in Washington. A black or
green whooly bugger in
size 8 to 4, or very small
bead head chironomids
in sizes 14 to 18. A heavy
6-weight rod is best since
fish can be measured
in pounds over inches,
but some anglers will
use a 5-weight or even
a 4-weight. Sinking lines
and the ability to cast in an
afternoon thermal breeze
are a must.
